CN100385343C - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents
Image forming apparatus Download PDFInfo
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- CN100385343C CN100385343C CNB2004100833647A CN200410083364A CN100385343C CN 100385343 C CN100385343 C CN 100385343C CN B2004100833647 A CNB2004100833647 A CN B2004100833647A CN 200410083364 A CN200410083364 A CN 200410083364A CN 100385343 C CN100385343 C CN 100385343C
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- imaging device
- paper
- supply unit
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- paper supply
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- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
- G03G15/06—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for developing
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- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
- G03G15/50—Machine control of apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern, e.g. regulating differents parts of the machine, multimode copiers, microprocessor control
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- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G2215/00—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes
- G03G2215/00016—Special arrangement of entire apparatus
- G03G2215/00021—Plural substantially independent image forming units in cooperation, e.g. for duplex, colour or high-speed simplex
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- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G2215/00—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes
- G03G2215/00025—Machine control, e.g. regulating different parts of the machine
- G03G2215/00109—Remote control of apparatus, e.g. by a host
- G03G2215/00113—Plurality of apparatus configured in groups each with its own host
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- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
- G03G2221/00—Processes not provided for by group G03G2215/00, e.g. cleaning or residual charge elimination
- G03G2221/16—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements and complete machine concepts
- G03G2221/1696—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements and complete machine concepts for auxiliary devices, e.g. add-on modules
Abstract
An image forming apparatus and method are disclosed. The image forming apparatus and method comprise a main image forming apparatus having a developing section and capable of being independently driven so that it prints an image onto a paper fed on the basis of input image information; at least one sub-image forming apparatus removably mounted to the main image forming apparatus in sequence, the sub-image forming apparatus having a developing section and modularized to perform printing operation according to a control command. The apparatus and method further comprise a main paper feeding unit connected to the main image forming apparatus and feeding a paper to the main image forming apparatus; at least one sub-paper feeding units removably connected to the main paper feeding unit in sequence for feeding a paper to the sub-image forming apparatus, respectively; and a control section for selectively controlling the operation of respective image forming apparatuses and respective paper feeding units on the basis of input image information in a manner that printing operations are performed either in one image forming apparatus or simultaneously in the respective image forming apparatuses.
Description
Technical field
The present invention relates to a kind of imaging device and method.The invention particularly relates to a kind of imaging device and method of using a plurality of developments partly to carry out a plurality of printings simultaneously.
Background technology
Imaging device such as printer, duplicating machine etc. generally include the carton that is used for paper supply, be used for image developing at the developing cell on the paper of supplying with from carton, be used for developed image decided the fixation unit (fusing unit) to the paper and be used for paper feeder unit the paper discharge of image photographic fixing on paper.
Most of imaging device is in the market taked the imaging device of individual module form, and it comprises the element of narrating previously.Imaging device can be used to have in the network of multi-section PC (PCs).Imaging device generally has single print module, and networks with a plurality of PCs, thereby carries out printing in proper order based on the requirement of print job.
Thereby, as a large amount of PCs that are connected to imaging device simultaneously during the transfer printing data,, print the residence time to increase because imaging device is subject to its printout speed.
If the capacity of paper feeding cassette is not enough, carton just needs to replenish continually paper so.Yet,, must add one or more paper feeding cassettes for avoiding frequently replenishing paper.Yet additional paper feeding cassette does not increase the printout speed of imaging device.
Thereby, in order to deal with a large amount of print jobs, requiring to buy expensive imaging device or two or more imaging devices are installed, imaging device that wherein should costliness can be carried out the printout of relative high speed.Yet these two kinds of selections are all very expensive.
Summary of the invention
The objective of the invention is to solve at least one the problems referred to above and defective, and following at least a advantage is provided.Thereby, an object of the present invention is to provide improved imaging device and method, wherein can select to carry out the modularization imaging device of printing, improve the printout speed of imaging device whereby.
In order to obtain above-mentioned purpose, according to one aspect of the invention, provide a kind of electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising:
Main imaging device, it has the part of development and can be driven independently, thereby prints images onto on the paper of supply based on the image information of input;
At least one secondary imaging device, its removably order be installed on the main imaging device, secondary imaging device has the part and by modularization, to carry out printing according to control command of developing;
Main paper supply unit, it is connected to main imaging device, paper is supplied to main imaging device;
At least one secondary paper supply unit, it removably is sequentially connected to respectively on the main paper supply unit, paper is supplied to secondary imaging device; With
Control section, it controls the operation of each imaging device and each paper supply unit selectively in the mode that can carry out printing on an imaging device or carry out printing simultaneously on each imaging device based on the image information of input.
Preferably, main imaging device comprises: main paper path, and it is printed thereby can carry out at the paper of supplying with from main paper supply unit apart from development part preset distance; With secondary transport path, it is used to guide the paper of supplying with from secondary paper supply unit, to be transported to secondary imaging device.
Preferably, secondary transport path is set, makes its top and bottom through main imaging device.
Preferably, secondary imaging device is placed on the top of main imaging device by order stack.
Preferably, secondary imaging device comprises: first transport path, and it is used to guide the paper of supplying with from secondary paper supply unit, thereby makes described paper through developing apparatus; Second transport path, its paper sheet delivery that is used for supplying with from secondary paper supply unit is to another secondary imaging device; And guide part, it places the junction between first transport path and second transport path, to determine to be transferred the transmission direction of paper selectively.
Preferably, form second transport path, make it pass through the upper and lower of secondary imaging device.
Preferably, secondary paper supply unit is placed under the main paper supply unit by order stack.
Preferably, main paper supply unit and secondary paper supply unit comprise respectively: sheet feed stacker, and it has the paper that loads paper and receives the space; Pick up the unit, the bottom that it places sheet feed stacker is used for picking up paper from paper supply unit, and wherein this paper supply unit is installed on the relatively low position; And paper path, it vertically is connected on the sheet feed stacker, with the paper of guiding from placing relatively low locational sheet feed stacker to pick up.
Preferably, paper path is connected to the secondary transport path of main imaging device.
Preferably, described electrophotographic image forming apparatus also comprises: first alignment unit, and it is used for determining the link position between secondary imaging device and predetermined adjacent imaging device; With second alignment unit, it is used for determining the link position between secondary paper supply unit and predetermined adjacent paper supply unit.
Preferably, first alignment unit comprises: first localization part, and it is outstanding or depression on the end face of secondary imaging device and bottom surface; With second localization part, it is outstanding or depression on end face that is connected to the predetermined imaging device on the secondary imaging device and bottom surface, thereby meshes with first localization part is complementary.
Preferably, second alignment unit comprises: the 3rd localization part, and it is outstanding or depression on the end face of secondary paper supply unit and bottom surface; With the 4th localization part, it is outstanding or depression on end face that is connected to the predetermined paper supply unit on the secondary paper supply unit and bottom surface, thereby meshes with the 3rd localization part is complementary.
Preferably, secondary imaging device is placed under the main imaging device by order stack.
Preferably, main imaging device comprises the control section of the operation that is used to control whole developing process, and secondary imaging device is controlled by the control section of main imaging device.
According to a further aspect of the invention, provide a kind of and used a plurality of parts of developing to carry out the method for a plurality of printings simultaneously, this method comprises:
Drive main imaging device independently, this main imaging device has the development part, and this development part prints images onto on the paper of supply based on the image information of input;
At least one secondary imaging device is installed on the main imaging device removably in proper order, and secondary imaging device has the development part, and by modularization, to carry out printing according to control command;
Via the main paper supply unit that is connected to main imaging device paper is supplied to main imaging device;
Respectively at least one secondary paper supply unit is sequentially connected to main paper supply unit, paper is supplied to secondary imaging device; With
Via control section, control the operation of each imaging device and each paper supply unit based on the image information of importing selectively in the mode of on an imaging device, carrying out the execution printing on each imaging device of printing or while.
Preferably, described method also comprises: main paper path is provided, and it is apart from development part preset distance, thus the paper execution printing of supplying with from main paper supply unit; Paper with guiding is supplied with from secondary paper supply unit makes it be transported to secondary imaging device via secondary transport path.
Preferably, secondary transport path is set, makes its top and bottom through main imaging device.
Preferably, secondary imaging device order stack is placed on the top of main imaging device.
Preferably, described method also comprises: the paper that guiding is supplied with from secondary paper supply unit, thus paper passes developing apparatus via first transport path; To be transported to another secondary imaging device via second transport path from the paper that secondary paper supply unit is supplied with; Determine the throughput direction of the paper that is transferred via guide part selectively, guide part places the junction of first transport path and second transport path.
Preferably, form second transport path, make its upper and lower through secondary imaging device.
Preferably, secondary paper supply unit order stack is placed under the main paper supply unit.
Preferably, described method also comprises: receive the space, it loads the paper of supplying with via the sheet feed stacker that has paper; Via the unit of picking up that places the sheet feed stacker bottom, pick up paper from being installed in relatively low locational paper supply unit; With via the vertical paper path that is connected on the sheet feed stacker, the paper that guiding is picked up from the sheet feed stacker that places on the lower position.
Preferably, paper path is connected on the secondary transport path of main imaging device.
Preferably, described method also comprises: utilize first alignment unit to determine link position between secondary imaging device and predetermined adjacent imaging device; And utilize second alignment unit to determine link position between secondary paper supply unit and predetermined adjacent paper supply unit.
Image-forming apparatus according to the present invention and method comprise: main imaging device, and it has the development part, and can be driven independently by this way, and promptly its image information based on input prints images onto on the paper of supply; At least one secondary imaging device, it is connected on the main imaging device removably successively, and this pair imaging device is provided with the development part and by modularization, prints to carry out according to control command.These apparatus and method also comprise: main paper supply unit, and it is connected on the main imaging device, paper is supplied to main imaging device; At least one secondary paper supply unit, it removably is connected respectively to main paper supply unit successively, and paper is supplied to secondary image-generating unit respectively; And control section, it optionally controls the operation of each imaging device and each paper supply unit by this way based on the image information of input, i.e. and printing or only carry out at an imaging device is perhaps carried out at each imaging device simultaneously.
According to embodiments of the invention, main imaging device comprises: main paper path, and it is located at apart from the position of development part preset distance, prints thereby can carry out at the paper of supplying with from main paper supply unit; With secondary transport path, its paper guiding that is used for supplying with from secondary paper supply unit is transported to secondary imaging device.
Secondary transport path is set, makes its top of passing through main imaging device and bottom.
And at least one secondary imaging device is overlayed the top of main imaging device successively.
According to an aspect of the present invention, secondary imaging device and method comprise: first transport path, this first transport path is set, and with the paper that guiding is supplied with from secondary paper supply unit, paper can pass through developing apparatus like this; Second transport path, its paper sheet delivery that is used for supplying with from secondary paper supply unit is to another secondary imaging device.These apparatus and method also are included in the guide part of the junction between first transport path and second transport path, with the transmission direction of the paper optionally determining to be transferred.
In addition, second transport path is set preferably, makes its top of passing through secondary imaging device and bottom.
And at least one secondary paper supply unit can be overlayed under the main paper supply unit successively.
According to another embodiment of the invention, each main paper supply unit and secondary paper supply unit comprise: sheet feed stacker, and it comprises the paper that is mounted with paper and receives the space; Pick up the unit, it places the bottom of sheet feed stacker, and to pick up paper from paper supply unit, this paper supply unit is installed in relatively low position; And paper path, it vertically is connected on the sheet feed stacker, so that the paper that guiding is picked up from sheet feed stacker, wherein this sheet feed stacker places relatively low position.
Paper path can be connected on the secondary transport path of main imaging device.
According to still another embodiment of the invention, imaging device and method also comprise first alignment unit, and it is used for determining the link position between secondary imaging device and predetermined adjacent imaging device; Second alignment unit, it is used for determining the link position between secondary paper supply unit and predetermined adjacent paper supply unit.
Preferably, first alignment unit comprises: first locating device, and it is outstanding or depression on the end face of secondary imaging device and bottom surface; With second positioning unit, it is outstanding or depression on the end face of being scheduled to imaging device and bottom surface, so that can mesh with first locating device is complementary, wherein is somebody's turn to do predetermined imaging device and is connected to secondary imaging device.
In addition, second alignment unit comprises: the 3rd locating device, and it is outstanding or depression on each end face of secondary paper supply unit and bottom surface; With the 4th locating device, it is outstanding or depression on the end face of being scheduled to paper supply unit and bottom surface, so it can mesh with the 3rd locating device is complementary, wherein is somebody's turn to do predetermined paper supply unit and is connected to secondary paper supply unit.
Description of drawings
Above-mentioned and other purposes of the present invention, characteristics or advantage will be from becoming more obvious below with reference to being described in detail of accompanying drawing, wherein:
Fig. 1 is the block scheme that is used to illustrate imaging device according to an embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 2 is the sectional view that is used to illustrate imaging device according to an embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 3 is the decomposition diagram that is used to illustrate imaging device according to another embodiment of the invention; And
Fig. 4 is the sectional view of imaging device according to another embodiment of the invention.
In the accompanying drawings, easy to understand, identical Reference numeral refers to identical feature and structure.
Embodiment
To be described in detail embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.
With reference to Fig. 1 and 2, imaging device comprises main imaging device 10, secondary imaging device 20, main paper supply unit 30, at least one secondary paper supply unit 40 and control section 50 according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein this main imaging device 10 is provided with development part 11, to be used for printing images onto independently paper, this pair imaging device 20 is removably mounted on the top of main imaging device 10, this main paper supply unit 30 is installed in the below of main imaging device 10, and this pair paper supply unit 40 is connected to the bottom of main paper supply unit 30.
As in the conventional laser printer, main imaging device 10 comprises development part 11, photographic fixing part 12 and row's paper part 13, wherein should development part 11 be used for image is formed on paper, this photographic fixing part 12 be used to use high temperature and high pressure with the developed image photographic fixing to paper, this row's paper part 13 is used for the paper by photographic fixing part 12 is discharged.Development part 11 comprises organic photo conductor drum (OPC), developer roll, toner cartridge and laser scan unit (LSU), and it is known in this area, has therefore omitted being described in detail it.
In addition, main imaging device 10 has main transport path L1 and secondary transport path L2, wherein main transport path L1 is used to carry the paper that supplies to main paper supply unit 30, and the paper that secondary transport path L2 is used for supplying with from secondary paper supply unit 41 is towards secondary imaging device 20 guiding.
Main transport path L1 is set by this way, and promptly the paper that obtains from the main paper supply unit of the bottom that is installed in main imaging device 10 is by development part 11 and photographic fixing part 12.Main transport path L1 is from picking up unit 16 through development part 11 and photographic fixing part 12 row's of extending to paper parts 13, and wherein this picks up the bottom that unit 16 is located at main imaging device 10.
Secondary transport path L2 from the bottom surface of main imaging device 10 through end face.Secondary transport path L2 is a part that is used for paper is transferred to the path of secondary imaging device 20, and this paper is picked up and the main paper supply unit 30 of process at secondary paper supply unit 40.A plurality of roller for conveying paper sheets 17a, 17b can be located on the secondary transport path L2.In main imaging device 10, secondary transport path L2 can isolate fully with main transport path L1, and can carry out independently function.Yet, as shown in drawings, also can form the main transport path L1 and the secondary transport path L2 of mutual bifurcated, and guide part 17 is installed between the two the path that definite whereby paper is transmitted movably.
In addition, main imaging device 10 also can comprise return path L3, refunds so that will be used for the paper of duplex printing.Return path L3 is connected to main transport path L1 in row's paper part 13, and is connected to the upstream of development part 11, and the upstream of this development part is main transport path L1.The main imaging device 10 of Gou Chenging is easy to controlled part 50 controls in whole developing process by this way.
From secondary paper supply unit 40 rather than main paper supply unit 30 is the paper that secondary imaging device 20 is provided for printing.For this reason, the first and second transport path L3 and L4 are located in the secondary imaging device 20.The first and second transport path L3 and L4 be at the mutual bifurcated in the bottom of imaging device 20, and be connected to the transmission paper in different directions.First path L3 guiding is transferred the paper by secondary transport path L2, so paper is through the development part 21 and the photographic fixing part 23 of secondary imaging device 20.The second transport path L4 is through the bottom and the top of secondary imaging device 20.Therefore, if the second imaging device (not shown) is installed in the top of secondary imaging device 20, by using the second transport path L4, the paper through the second transport path L2 can be supplied to the second secondary imaging device.At this, guide part 27 is movably mounted the junction between the first and second transport path L3 and L4, is used to determine the transmission direction of the paper that is transferred.Guide part 27 changes its position when being driven by the solenoid (not shown).Control section 50 solenoidal ON of control and OFF drive.
As mentioned above, at least one secondary imaging device 20 is sequentially stacked and is installed in the top of main imaging device 10 with modular state.Therefore, because secondary imaging device 20 can be carried out printing together with main imaging device 10, can improve print speed.
As shown in Figure 3,, first alignment unit 60 is set also, to be used for determining the link position of 20 of main imaging device 10 and secondary imaging devices when at least one secondary imaging device 20 during by the aforesaid top that overlays main imaging device 10.First alignment unit 60 comprises first localization part 61 and second localization part 64, and this first localization part 61 is located on the end face and bottom surface of imaging device 20, and second localization part 64 is located on the adjacent imaging device 10, with corresponding with first localization part 61.In an embodiment of the present invention, first localization part 61 comprises a plurality of locator protrusionss 62 and a plurality of detent 63, and wherein, locator protrusions 62 is formed on the end face of secondary imaging device 20, and detent 63 is formed on the bottom surface of secondary imaging device 20.Second localization part 64 comprise be formed on adjacent imaging device, as the locator protrusions on the main imaging device 10.Therefore, if imaging device 10 and 20 is assembled together mutually, so the locator protrusions of second localization part 64 just is fitted in the detent 63, the so secondary transport path L2 and the second transport path L4 just are aligned and interconnect.When another secondary imaging device, when being connected to secondary imaging device 20 as the second secondary imaging device, the locator protrusions 62 that is located on the end face of secondary imaging device 20 aligns with transport path.
Refer now to Fig. 2, main paper supply unit 30 forms a covering device with main imaging device 10 substantially, and wherein main paper supply unit 30 is installed under the main imaging device 10.Main paper supply unit 30 comprises sheet feed stacker 31, picks up unit 33 and paper path 35, wherein sheet feed stacker 31 has the space that is used to receive paper, pick up unit 33 and be located under the sheet feed stacker 31, paper path 35 vertically forms, and by picking up unit 33 and paper supply unit 31.Pick up unit 33 and be located at the bottom of sheet feed stacker 31, so that pick up paper from secondary paper supply unit 40, this pair paper supply unit 40 stacks selectively and is installed under first paper supply unit 30.Pick up unit 33 and comprise pick-up roller 33a and conveying roller 33b.Pick-up roller 33a can be picked up the motor (not shown) and be driven, and this picks up the side that motor is located at sheet feed stacker 31.Paper path 35 vertically is provided with, and with by sheet feed stacker 31, and receives the space and is separated with paper in the sheet feed stacker 31, and be connected to secondary transport path L2.Paper path 35 is equipped with conveying roller 35a.By receiving driving force, can drive conveying roller 35a from the CD-ROM drive motor that is installed in the separation in the sheet feed stacker 31 or from the motor of pick-up roller 33a.
Secondary paper supply unit 40 is set, so that paper is supplied to secondary imaging device 20.Paper supply unit 40 is also by modularization, and under main paper supply unit 40 two or more this paper supply units 40 can be installed in proper order.In an embodiment, a secondary paper supply unit 40 is installed.Secondary paper supply unit 40 is identical with the structure of main paper supply unit 30.Secondary paper supply unit 40 also has sheet feed stacker 41, picks up unit 43 and paper path 45.Paper path 45 is connected on the paper path 35 of main paper supply unit 30.The paper of picking up from the sheet feed stacker 41 of secondary paper supply unit 40 is transferred to paper path 35.
Refer now to Fig. 3, second alignment unit 70 also is set, with when assembling the paper supply unit 30 and 40 of structure as mentioned above, with paper path 35 and 45 alignment.Second alignment unit 70 comprises the 3rd locating device 71 and the 4th locating device 74, and wherein the 3rd locating device 71 is located on the end face and bottom surface of secondary paper supply unit 50, and the 4th locating device 74 is located on the adjacent paper supply unit, with corresponding with the 3rd locating device 71.The 3rd locating device 71 comprises a plurality of locator protrusionss 72 and a plurality of detent 73, and wherein a plurality of locator protrusionss 72 are located on the end face of sheet feed stacker 41, and a plurality of detents 73 are located on the bottom surface of sheet feed stacker 41.In an embodiment of the present invention, the 4th locating device 74 comprises detent, and this detent is located on the bottom surface of sheet feed stacker 41 of secondary paper supply unit 40.Therefore, if paper supply unit 30 and 40 is stacked,, when aliging mutually, paper path 35 and 45 just can be made into assembly so so locator protrusions 72 just is fitted in the detent 74.
By order stack second, third or the like up to n paper supply unit, can carry enough paper, wherein the structure of these a plurality of paper supply units and secondary paper supply unit is identical.Also can so just will only supply to secondary imaging device 20, and just will only supply to main imaging device 10 from the paper that main paper supply unit 30 is supplied with by means of the position of control section 50 control guide parts 17 from the paper that secondary paper supply unit 40 is supplied with.
In addition, when extra installed module changes into picture device 20 and secondary paper supply unit 40 as described above, electric connector can be set, so that main imaging device 10 and main paper supply unit 30 are electrically connected.Electric connector can comprise conventional jack and the splicing ear of connecting, and they are connected to each other directly or indirectly.Because adopt prior art just can fully use this structure, so will omit being described in detail about it.
According to one embodiment of present invention, can in printing, use the imaging device that constitutes as mentioned above in the following manner:
Substantially assemble main imaging device 10 and main paper supply unit 30, single covering device is provided whereby.Convenient according to the user, by utilizing first and second alignment unit 60 shown in Fig. 3 and 70 secondary imaging device 20 and secondary paper supply unit 40 are assembled into the device that assembles substantially.
In this case, if by PC input print data, control section 50 determines whether use main imaging device 10 and secondary imaging device 20 in printing, still only uses one of them in main imaging device 10 and the secondary imaging device 20, carries out printing then.Be used to distribute the method for print data or can set in advance, perhaps pass through the driver of PC according to the different situations setting.
For example, when planning to carry out printing on a piece of paper, can carry out printing by this way, promptly main paper supply unit 30 is supplied with paper, and paper is discharged in the printings that main imaging device 10 is carried out on paper then.
When requiring at two or more carry out on the plurality of sheets of paper when printing, can be in two with printing amount, then simultaneously from corresponding main imaging device 10 and secondary imaging device 20 printout paper.Under the sort of situation, printout speed can be increased to maximal value.And, can be by the printing model of the above-mentioned pattern of control section 50 controls.Especially, control section 50 can be located in the main imaging device 10, so it also can be operatively connected to the secondary imaging device 20 of main imaging device 10.Therefore, in modular secondary imaging device 20, do not need independent control section.
As shown in Figure 4, another example according to an embodiment of the invention, secondary imaging device 20 can be overlayed under the main imaging device 10.In this case, because main imaging device is placed in the top of secondary imaging device 20, so do not need display panel, this display panel has been arranged on the top of secondary imaging device 20.Therefore, can simplified structure.In addition, assemble each paper supply unit 30 and 40, so it can be overlayed under the secondary imaging device 20.Although secondary imaging device 20 be installed in by this way paper supply unit 20 and 40 and main imaging device 10 between, can carry out printing equally.In more detail, paper is supplied with from main paper supply unit 30 by the unit 26 of picking up of secondary imaging device 20, and the paper of Gong Geiing is selectively supplied to secondary imaging device 20 or the main imaging device 10 that is used to print then.
From above narration, be appreciated that to form main imaging device 10 and secondary imaging device 20, so that it is mechanically identical, but control section 50 only is located in the main imaging device 10 by this way, promptly two imaging devices can both 50 controls of Be Controlled part.As a result, can add imaging device with low cost.
According to the imaging device based on one embodiment of the present of invention, modular imaging device and paper supply unit selectively are connected to main imaging device and main paper supply unit, so they can carry out printing simultaneously.As a result, can improve printout speed.
In addition, because generator by this way, promptly single control section is used to control two or more imaging devices, has reduced the unit cost of producing.
Although illustrated and narrated the present invention with reference to its certain embodiment, the present invention is not limited to these embodiment.Be appreciated that under prerequisite without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make various optimizations and change.Therefore, be appreciated that this optimization, change and equivalent thereof all comprise within the scope of the invention.
Claims (24)
1. electrophotographic image forming apparatus comprises:
Main imaging device (10), it has the part of development (11) and can be driven independently, thereby prints images onto on the paper of supply based on the image information of input;
At least one secondary imaging device (20), its removably order be installed on the main imaging device, secondary imaging device has the part (21) and by modularization, to carry out printing according to control command of developing;
Main paper supply unit (30), it is connected to main imaging device, paper is supplied to main imaging device;
At least one secondary paper supply unit (40), it removably is sequentially connected to respectively on the main paper supply unit, paper is supplied to secondary imaging device; With
Control section (50), its image information based on input is controlled each imaging device (10 selectively in the mode that can carry out printing on an imaging device or carry out printing simultaneously on each imaging device, 20) and the operation of each paper supply unit (30,40).
2. electrophotographic image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, main imaging device comprises:
Main paper path (L1), it is printed thereby can carry out at the paper of supplying with from main paper supply unit (30) apart from part (11) preset distance that develops; With
Secondary transport path (L2), it is used for the paper that guiding is supplied with from secondary paper supply unit (40), to be transported to secondary imaging device (20).
3. electrophotographic image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 2 is characterized in that, secondary transport path (L2) is set, and makes its top and bottom through main imaging device.
4. electrophotographic image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, secondary imaging device (20) is placed on the top of main imaging device (10) by order stack.
5. electrophotographic image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, secondary imaging device (20) comprising:
First transport path (L3), it is used for the paper that guiding is supplied with from secondary paper supply unit (40), thereby makes described paper through developing apparatus;
Second transport path (L4), its paper sheet delivery that is used for supplying with from secondary paper supply unit (40) is to another secondary imaging device; With
Guide part, it places the junction between first transport path (L3) and second transport path (L4), to determine to be transferred the transmission direction of paper selectively.
6. electrophotographic image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 5 is characterized in that, forms second transport path (L4), makes it pass through the upper and lower of secondary imaging device (20).
7. electrophotographic image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, secondary paper supply unit (40) is placed under the main paper supply unit (30) by order stack.
8. electrophotographic image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 7 is characterized in that, main paper supply unit (30) and secondary paper supply unit (40) comprise respectively:
Sheet feed stacker (31,41), it has the paper that loads paper and receives the space;
Pick up unit (33,43), the bottom that it places sheet feed stacker is used for picking up paper from paper supply unit, and wherein this paper supply unit is installed on the relatively low position; With
Paper path (35,45), it vertically is connected on the sheet feed stacker, with the paper of guiding from placing relatively low locational sheet feed stacker to pick up.
9. electrophotographic image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 8 is characterized in that, paper path is connected to the secondary transport path (L2) of main imaging device.
10. electrophotographic image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 1 also comprises:
First alignment unit (60), it is used for determining the link position between secondary imaging device and predetermined adjacent imaging device; With
Second alignment unit (70), it is used for determining the link position between secondary paper supply unit and predetermined adjacent paper supply unit.
11. electrophotographic image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 10 is characterized in that, first alignment unit (60) comprising:
First localization part (61), it is outstanding or depression on the end face of secondary imaging device and bottom surface; With
Second localization part (64), it is outstanding or depression on end face that is connected to the predetermined imaging device on the secondary imaging device and bottom surface, thereby meshes with first localization part is complementary.
12. electrophotographic image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 10 is characterized in that, second alignment unit (70) comprising:
The 3rd localization part (71), it is outstanding or depression on the end face of secondary paper supply unit and bottom surface; With
The 4th localization part (74), it is outstanding or depression on end face that is connected to the predetermined paper supply unit on the secondary paper supply unit and bottom surface, thereby meshes with the 3rd localization part is complementary.
13. electrophotographic image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, secondary imaging device (20) is placed under the main imaging device (10) by order stack.
14. electrophotographic image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, main imaging device (10) comprises the control section (50) of the operation that is used to control whole developing process, and secondary imaging device is controlled by the control section of main imaging device.
15. one kind is used a plurality of parts of developing to carry out the method for a plurality of printings simultaneously, this method comprises:
Drive main imaging device (10) independently, this main imaging device has the part of development (11), and this development part prints images onto on the paper of supply based on the image information of input;
With at least one secondary imaging device (20) removably order be installed on the main imaging device (10), secondary imaging device has the part (21) and by modularization, to carry out printing according to control command of developing;
Via the main paper supply unit (30) that is connected to main imaging device paper is supplied to main imaging device (10);
Respectively at least one secondary paper supply unit (40) is sequentially connected to main paper supply unit, paper is supplied to secondary imaging device; With
Based on the input image information via control section (50), control each imaging device (10 selectively in the mode of on an imaging device, carrying out the execution printing on each imaging device of printing or while, 20) and the operation of each paper supply unit (30,40).
16. method as claimed in claim 15 also comprises:
Main paper path (L1) is provided, and it is apart from part (11) preset distance that develops, thus the paper execution printing of supplying with from main paper supply unit (30); With
The paper that guiding is supplied with from secondary paper supply unit (40) makes it be transported to secondary imaging device via secondary transport path (L2).
17. method as claimed in claim 16 is characterized in that, secondary transport path (L2) is set, and makes its top and bottom through main imaging device.
18. method as claimed in claim 15 is characterized in that, secondary imaging device (20) order stack is placed on the top of main imaging device (10).
19. method as claimed in claim 15 also comprises:
The paper that guiding is supplied with from secondary paper supply unit (40), thus paper passes developing apparatus via first transport path (L3);
To deliver to another secondary imaging device via second transport path defeated (L4) from the paper that secondary paper supply unit (40) is supplied with; With
Determine the throughput direction of the paper that is transferred via guide part (27) selectively, guide part (27) places the junction of first transport path (L3) and second transport path (L4).
20. method as claimed in claim 19 is characterized in that, forms second transport path (L4), makes its upper and lower through secondary imaging device.
21. method as claimed in claim 15 is characterized in that, secondary paper supply unit (40) order stack is placed under the main paper supply unit (30).
22. method as claimed in claim 21 also comprises:
Receive the space, it loads the paper of supplying with via the sheet feed stacker that has paper;
Pick up unit (43) via what place sheet feed stacker (40) bottom, pick up paper from being installed in relatively low locational paper supply unit; With
Via the paper path (35,45) that vertically is connected on the sheet feed stacker, the paper that guiding is picked up from the sheet feed stacker that places on the lower position.
23. method as claimed in claim 22 is characterized in that, paper path (35,45) is connected on the secondary transport path (L2) of main imaging device.
24. method as claimed in claim 15 also comprises:
Utilize first alignment unit (60) to determine link position between secondary imaging device and predetermined adjacent imaging device; With
Utilize second alignment unit (70) to determine link position between secondary paper supply unit and predetermined adjacent paper supply unit.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| KR1020030078285A KR100545395B1 (en) | 2003-11-06 | 2003-11-06 | Image forming apparatus |
| KR78285/2003 | 2003-11-06 | ||
| KR78285/03 | 2003-11-06 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CN1614521A CN1614521A (en) | 2005-05-11 |
| CN100385343C true CN100385343C (en) | 2008-04-30 |
Family
ID=34545778
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNB2004100833647A Expired - Fee Related CN100385343C (en) | 2003-11-06 | 2004-09-30 | Image forming apparatus |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US7315709B2 (en) |
| KR (1) | KR100545395B1 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN100385343C (en) |
Families Citing this family (15)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP3985710B2 (en) * | 2003-03-31 | 2007-10-03 | ブラザー工業株式会社 | Image forming apparatus main body and image forming apparatus provided with the same |
| JP4396215B2 (en) * | 2003-10-16 | 2010-01-13 | 富士ゼロックス株式会社 | Recording medium supply apparatus and image forming apparatus |
| JP4621006B2 (en) * | 2004-11-17 | 2011-01-26 | 株式会社沖データ | Image forming apparatus |
| JP4115989B2 (en) * | 2004-12-15 | 2008-07-09 | シャープ株式会社 | Image forming apparatus |
| JP4360365B2 (en) * | 2005-10-11 | 2009-11-11 | コニカミノルタビジネステクノロジーズ株式会社 | Image forming apparatus, method for controlling image forming apparatus, and program for controlling image forming apparatus |
| TWI279330B (en) * | 2006-02-15 | 2007-04-21 | Lite On Technology Corp | Printer with dual printing modules |
| US9742942B2 (en) * | 2011-05-04 | 2017-08-22 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Imaging device assembly |
| JP2015124082A (en) | 2013-12-27 | 2015-07-06 | ブラザー工業株式会社 | Recording device |
| JP6225703B2 (en) | 2013-12-27 | 2017-11-08 | ブラザー工業株式会社 | Recording device |
| JP6225704B2 (en) * | 2013-12-27 | 2017-11-08 | ブラザー工業株式会社 | Recording device |
| JP6255995B2 (en) * | 2013-12-27 | 2018-01-10 | ブラザー工業株式会社 | Recording device |
| JP6369717B2 (en) * | 2014-05-22 | 2018-08-08 | 株式会社リコー | Image forming apparatus and stack structure of image forming apparatus |
| JP7310444B2 (en) * | 2019-08-28 | 2023-07-19 | 京セラドキュメントソリューションズ株式会社 | Positioning structure between the paper feeding device and the image forming device installed above it |
| US10962921B2 (en) * | 2019-08-28 | 2021-03-30 | Kyocera Document Solutions Inc. | Connecting structure between electrical connector of sheet feeder and electrical connector of image forming apparatus to be installed onto top of the sheet feeder |
| JP7341823B2 (en) * | 2019-09-26 | 2023-09-11 | キヤノン株式会社 | Image forming device and paper feeding system |
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Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US20050100362A1 (en) | 2005-05-12 |
| KR100545395B1 (en) | 2006-01-24 |
| CN1614521A (en) | 2005-05-11 |
| US7315709B2 (en) | 2008-01-01 |
| KR20050043391A (en) | 2005-05-11 |
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